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ERIC ROWELL/For The Lancaster News

Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell presents a certificate to Hector Bauza at Lancaster County’s “Welcome Home” celebration Saturday at the historic county courthouse. Bauza served in Vietnam as a gunner's mate.

Lancaster County recognized its local Vietnam veterans Saturday on the front lawn of the historic county courthouse with a long overdue “Welcome Home” celebration.
“Let’s do what should’ve been done 50 years ago,” said Robin Ghent, Lancaster County veterans affairs director. “You did your job, you served with honor, and you did us proud. Welcome home.”
When they returned home from Southeast Asia in the 1960s and ’70s, veterans were sometimes spit at, cursed out, degraded or ignored for their service.